What Size Rims Should I Buy?

If you are into cars (or at least into car aesthetics), then you have probably noticed the popularity of the trend of installing new wheel rims on vehicles. Since such a wide variety of styles, colors, and sizes are available, wheel rims are one of the best ways to customize a vehicle without spending an unreasonable amount of cash. Unfortunately, the wide variety of styles and sizes available come with a negative aspect: it can be nearly impossible to determine what size or style you need to best fit your vehicle while still looking stylish – especially if you have no experience with replacing vehicle parts. For instance, if you have 26 inch wheels you may be at a total loss when it comes to doing the math behind rim size or even where to find the rims once you determine the correct size. The good news is that with a little research, almost anyone can learn how to purchase the correct wheel rims. Read the information below to get started.

Bolt Pattern
Before you pull out your credit card and start ordering flashy rims, you first need to make sure that you know what bolt pattern your car wheels have. Take a close look at your hub and examine the face. A typical bolt pattern, the VW, is considered to be 4×100. This can be simply translated as a hub with four lugs that are about 100 millimeters apart from one another. Since most people are not bolt pattern experts, it may help to start measuring. Count the number of bolts and then stretch your tape measure across the hub face, measuring from one bolt to the other. Write this measurement down so that you do not forget; your notation may come in handy when you begin adding rims to your virtual “cart” as you shop online for great 26 inch wheels.

Stock Dimensions
Do not put your measuring tape down just yet; you will need it as you set out to measure your wheel’s stock dimensions. Wheel dimensions are typically measured in terms of wheel diameter (in inches) and width (also in inches). As you endeavor to replace your wheels with something a little more appealing to the eye, you need to double-verify that the stock sizes are same on your old wheels and the potential new wheels. While you can install larger wheels on a smaller diameter, you may run into difficulty with a concept known as “clearance.” To avoid this problem, make sure that you choose tires that are low profile in nature. If your current wheel size is smaller than the 26 inch wheels you are eyeing online, then you may want to make sure that the tires will function without clearance issues.

Offset
Offset can be defined as the way in which a wheel sits in relation to the placement of the wheel hub itself. If your wheel’s mounting pad is on the outside or inside, it may be negatively or positively offset. Typically, if you choose wheels with an incorrect offset, then you may experience future automobile difficulties.

To learn more about wheels and rims, don’t be afraid to do some more in-depth research. After taking the time to inform yourself, you will become a savvy rim buyer in no time.